Tags

Former Notre Dame and University of Cincinnati tight end Jake Golic has been granted a sixth year of eligibility, and he will rejoin the UC football team for the 2014 season.

Golic, son of former NFL and Notre Dame defensive tackle Mike Golic of the "Mike and Mike" ESPN radio show, attended the UC spring game with his famous father April 5 at Paul Brown Stadium. Jake Golic applied for a sixth year of NCAA eligibility, after chronic back trouble halted his 2013 season during UC preseason camp last August. On Tuesday, UC learned that Golic would be granted the sixth year.

"I thought it was time to call it quits, but then I went out to Colorado and got a new stem cell procedure done," Golic told The Enquirer on April 5. "After a couple months, I feel like a million bucks."

There were several medical precedents for a sixth year of eligibility, including former UC quarterback Brendon Kay gaining a sixth and final year in 2013.

Mike Golic, a former NFL and Notre Dame defensive lineman, said that Jake has seen multiple doctors including a spine specialist.

"He feels great after the last procedure," Mike said April 5. "He's raring to go."

Finally official. Got the 6th year! Couldn%26#39;t be more happy. See you soon cincy!!

Jake Golic, whose hometown is West Hartford, Conn., is part of a football family that has included multiple collegiate and professional players.

Jake, who has battled multiple injuries, appeared in three games for Notre Dame in 2010 and two games in 2012. He transferred to UC in spring 2013.

Golic has graduated from Notre Dame and plans to play at UC as a graduate student. UC's top returning tight ends are sophomore D.J. Dowdy and redshirt freshman Tyler Cogswell. Dowdy appeared in 11 games last year, with two receptions for 6 yards.